For many of us, the scale is Enemy #1. We become obsessed with the number and starve ourselves in order to bring that number down.

But new medical research indicates the scale can often be misleading when it comes to measuring your health. In fact, it should only be a slight indicator how healthy you are — part of a larger equation.

Skinny Doesn’t Necessarily Equal HealthyOur society has a bad habit of promoting skinny figures. A flat stomach, thin thighs and near-bony arms are all the rage. But does being slim mean you’re actually healthy? Not necessarily.​Sure, many people who are skinny are also in prime physical shape, but there are others in this category who may be in worse health than their larger peers. Similarly, certain individuals who qualify as “overweight” according to societal standards may be extremely fit, while others could be suffering from the usual weight-related concerns like heart disease and diabetes.

You’ve heard the phrase, “Looks can be deceiving.” Well, in this case, it certainly rings true.

The Truth About HealthDon’t misunderstand. Weight definitely has an impact on health and being obese leads to all kinds of medical conditions. But what we need to change as a society is how we measure obesity.

Currently, the obesity scale is based on body mass index (BMI), which is determined at a ratio of height to weight. The problem with this is that BMI doesn’t take into consideration muscle weight.

A true measure of health incorporates more than just BMI. It considers more functionality than the narrow snapshot provided by BMI numbers. Here’s what should be included in a thorough examination of someone’s overall health:

Body fat percentage

Blood pressure

Resting heart rate

Blood sugar

Exercise tolerance

Cardiovascular health

When you factor in the above list and only use BMI as one part of a larger equation, you get a true evaluation of your health — no matter what size pants you wear.

Getting Healthy With ExerciseWhether you consider yourself skinny or overweight, it’s crucial that you take the time to exercise regularly. This combined with a smart diet is the best and most effective way to achieve optimal health.

Finding time to work out can be a challenge, but fitting it into your schedule is the best decision you can make for yourself and your family. If you need some motivation or additional tips, reach out to Amarillo personal trainer Ralph Roberts today. In addition to personal training, Ralph Roberts Training can create custom workouts just for you. Contact Ralph Roberts Training today.